advanced manufacturing program skills 2 manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing

Skills 2 Manufacturing Program Program Guidelines

Advanced Manufacturing – Skills 2 Manufacturing Program 1

Contents

1. Aim ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

2. Background ............................................................................................................................................... 2

3. Definitions ................................................................................................................................................. 2

4. Eligibility criteria ...................................................................................................................................... 3

5. Eligible expenditure ................................................................................................................................. 4

6. Ineligible Expenditure .............................................................................................................................. 4

7. Assessment ............................................................................................................................................... 5

8. Application process .................................................................................................................................. 5

9. Appealing a decision ................................................................................................................................ 6

10. Acquittal ................................................................................................................................................. 7

11. Taxation and financial implications ...................................................................................................... 8

12. Grant payments ..................................................................................................................................... 8

13. Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................................ 9

14. Administration and contact details ...................................................................................................... 9

15. Publicity of grant assistance .................................................................................................................. 9

16. Right to information ............................................................................................................................ 10

17. Personal information protection ........................................................................................................ 10

18. Disclosure ............................................................................................................................................. 10

19. Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................. 10


1. Aim The Advanced Manufacturing Skills 2 Manufacturing Program (the Program) supports Tasmanian-based advanced

manufacturing enterprises to undertake non-accredited training activities that will support the development of the

advanced manufacturing workforce.

2. Background The program has been established to support the Tasmanian Government's Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan

2024.

Successful workforce development involves addressing a range of related issues including skills availability, skills

development, and the shifting needs of the sector.

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, including the role of apprentices and trainees, remain a key

skills development platform for the sector. At the same time there are other training needs identified by

businesses that VET cannot address.

Industry is increasingly looking outside the traditional training system for solutions to current and future

workforce development needs. This means we need to support innovative, flexible, and fit-for-purpose training

solutions to accommodate new and high-demand skills requirements.

Funding of $200 000 is available this current financial year, $200 000 in 2022-23 and $200 000 in 2023-24.

The program provides up to a 50 per cent contribution to Tasmanian manufacturers who wish to undertake non-

accredited training activities, subject to the applicant contributing at least 50 per cent of the project costs in cash.

Minimum grant assistance is $5 000. Maximum grant assistance is $15 000.

Collaborative projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Collaborative projects will need a lead

proponent such as an industry body or nominated lead business. These projects may be eligible for a greater

percentage of grant funding on demonstration of industry benefit.

3. Definitions Accredited training is nationally recognised and offered by a registered training organisation issuing VET

qualifications or VET statement of attainment.

Advanced manufacturing enterprises are those manufacturing businesses that utilise continuous improvement,

enhanced skills, new technologies, and design and systems integration in order to drive innovation and growth

throughout the value chain. Advanced manufacturers ensure that customers receive the best quality, cost and

delivery in products and services. Advanced manufacturers aim to deliver high value, niche and customised

premium products and services.


Advanced manufacturing is less about what the manufacturer makes, but more about how it is made – through

advanced knowledge, advanced processes and advanced business models.

Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries Unit is the administrative unit within the Department of State

Growth responsible for providing Tasmanian Government services, support and advice to the advanced

manufacturing and defence industry sectors.

Grant Agreement is an agreement entered into, regarding the provision of a grant, between an approved applicant

and the Crown in Right of Tasmania.

Non-accredited training refers to a program of structured training or instruction that does not lead to the

attainment of a formal qualification or award. Non-accredited courses are generally focused on providing training

skills necessary.

Project means a project which is the subject of a funding application under the program.

Project costs includes costs incurred by an applicant directly attributable to the project, but excludes ongoing

running costs associated with the project.

Program means this Advanced Manufacturing Skills 2 Manufacturing Program.

Program Review means a review of the outcomes of the approved and acquitted project, conducted by the

Program Manager with the applicant.

4. Eligibility criteria To be eligible for financial assistance from the program the applicant:

• must be able to demonstrate that they are a Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprise, or

relevant industry group supporting Tasmanian advanced manufacturing enterprises

• must have an Australian Business Number and be registered for GST

• cannot receive more than $15 000 per financial year under this program

• must have annual sales turnover greater than $300 000 (indicatively) and less than $20 million

• must not be a consultant or intermediary, and

• must not be subject to any legal disability, including bankruptcy or liquidation.

If you are unsure about your ability to meet all aspects of the eligibility criteria, please contact the Advanced

Manufacturing and Defence Industries Unit via Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026.

You may be asked to supply documentation to support your eligibility claims as part of the application process, or

as part of an audit process to confirm your claims were true and correct.


5. Eligible expenditure The program provides a reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of approved project costs up to a maximum of

$15 000. Examples of eligible expenditure include:

• short courses

• product specific training

• industry/organisation specific training

• safety awareness training.

6. Ineligible Expenditure Examples of ineligible expenditure under the program include the following:

• accredited training from a Training Package (i.e. qualifications and accredited skills sets)

• allocation for RTO business establishment

• where the project will duplicate the services provided under other programs, for example, those

provided by the Australian Government

• capital fund-raising for building or property purposes, construction and/or maintenance works

• items or services that the applicant is already contracted to provide

• training that does not clearly link to and improve workforce development opportunities for the advanced

manufacturing sector

• recurrent administrative, infrastructure and other organisational costs

• where the activity is already funded, or more appropriately funded through another source

• retrospective funding for projects or programs that have already started or have been completed

• any activity undertaken prior to the notification of application outcome, and

• projects which only produce a private benefit to a specific business or person(s).


7. Assessment Assessment is based on the quality of information provided by the applicant at the time of submission against the

assessment criteria. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information is included in their application at

the time of submission.

All applications are subject to a merit process, based on the following criteria:

• Demonstration that the applicant is an advanced manufacturer or has the potential to become an

advanced manufacturer with the proposed project.

• Demonstration that the training is not achievable through accredited training (through a Training Package

qualification or skill set).

• Identification of the training objectives, implementation, need, benefits, outcomes and budget.

In addition, applicants will be required to agree to participate in program reviews conducted by the Program

Manager.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industry Unit will assess and advise the submission outcome within a

two-week period of the application being submitted.

8. Application process For an application to be approved, the application must be submitted and assessed before the project

commences.

1. Potential applicants should review the guidelines to ascertain eligibility. Team members from the

Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industry Unit are available to brief potential applicants about the

program on request.

2. The application is submitted via the SmartyGrants grant management platform.

3. The enterprise will be advised of the outcome by a team member from the Advanced Manufacturing and

Defence Industry Unit.

4. A Grant Agreement will be prepared for execution by the successful enterprise.

The Department of State Growth uses an online grants management system called SmartyGrants. This system is

easy to use and accessible via mobile phones, tablets, laptops and personal computers.

The online platform allows you to apply for a grant at any time while the program is open. It also allows us to

send you notifications throughout the grant application and funding process.

If you do not have internet access please contact us to discuss alternate options.


8.1 What does a successful application look like?

A successful application:

• meets all aspects of the eligibility criteria

• shows that the project to be undertaken with the grant funding aligns to the purpose of the grant

program

• has clear well-structured answers to all the assessment criteria questions

• contains, where requested, quality documented evidence to support your claims against the eligibility

and/or assessment criteria.

9. Appealing a decision The Department of State Growth may reconsider a decision if the applicant can demonstrate a proven conflict of

interest, error in process or discrimination.

If applicants have reason to believe that the proper process was not followed in assessment of an application, a

request for review may be submitted.

Grounds for appeal are:

1. The persons making the decision had a direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome of the

application.

2. The preparation of the application was affected adversely by incorrect advice provided by a staff member

of the Department of State Growth.

3. The persons making the recommendations discriminated against the applicant on irrelevant grounds, such

as cultural, religious or linguistic background; race; gender; marital status; sexual orientation; or disability.

All requests must be in writing and should be addressed to the Executive Director, Trade, PO Box 672, Burnie

7320.

Your request must be received within 28 days from the date of the Department of State Growth notifying you of

the decision about your application.


10. Acquittal

10.1 What is an acquittal?

An acquittal is a statement that is required to be made by the successful grant recipient, confirming that the grant

funding provided was used as it was intended and as per the statements made on the application form and funding

agreement.

10.2 How to acquit for a grant

Successful applicants will be required to provide some information about the activities and purchases made along

with providing evidence such as any invoices, receipts, statements, reports, etc. as evidence to support the

acquittal. You will be provided with a SmartyGrants link to an acquittal form. The form will clearly define what is

required of you to complete the acquittal process.

A tax invoice will be requested when the acquittal form and supporting documentation is approved. It is

important to note that the final grant payment will be a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible expenditure for the

approved project. If actual eligible expenditure is less than per the approved application, the lesser amount will

be paid.

10.3 The acquittal form

In addition to ensuring the funding provided was used as intended the questions on the acquittal form help us

determine how successful the grant funding program was.

This success is determined by understanding what the project was able to achieve and, how well we were able to

deliver the program to our clients. This helps us improve our client service and determine the best place to

invest grant funding in the future.

10.4 Failure to complete an acquittal.

The Department has a requirement and responsibility to ensure that the public funding we administer is allocated

fairly and spent responsibly. So, we must review the outcomes of grant funding to ensure it aligns to the intended

original approved purpose.

Failure to lodge a valid acquittal by the due date will result in the grant funding payment being forfeited.


11. Taxation and financial implications Grants under the program attract Goods and Services Tax (GST). Grant payments to successful applicants, who

are registered for GST, are increased to compensate for the amount of GST payable. A valid tax invoice must be

supplied, by the successful applicant, to the Department where GST applies to the grant funding.

The receipt of funding from this program may be treated as income by the ATO. While grants are typically

treated as assessable income for taxation purposes, how they are treated will depend on the recipient's particular

circumstances.

It is strongly recommended that potential applicants seek independent advice about the possible tax implications

for receiving the grant under the program from a tax advisor, financial advisor and/or the Australian Taxation

Office (ATO), prior to submitting an application.

If you are an individual (not a business) or you do not have an Australian Business Number (ABN) you may be

required to complete a ‘Statement by a supplier not quoting an ABN’. Refer to the ATO website for more

information:

https://www.ato.gov.au/forms/statement-by-a-supplier-not-quoting-an-abn/

Information on invoices can be found on our Business Tasmania website:

https://www.business.tas.gov.au/manage_a_business/invoices

12. Grant payments Applicants will be asked for bank account details so that we can process successful grant payments. This bank

account must be in the same name of the person or business who applied for the grant. You may be asked to

provide a copy of your bank statement or a letter from you bank to confirm your bank account details.

For any successful applicants who provides incorrect bank account details, this may result in funds being paid to

an incorrect account and then these funds will need to be returned to us before we attempt another grant

payment. This process may result in significant delays to any funding being received. Additionally, we cannot

guarantee that funds paid to an incorrect bank account will be returned to us.

For applicants who are successful in being awarded a grant and

1. their situation changes,

2. they do not complete the activities or tasks required under the funding agreement,

3. they do not use any or all of the funding provided, or

4. the information provided to us is found to be false or misleading,

the applicant will be required to return the funds to the department.



https://www.business.tas.gov.au/manage_a_business/invoices


13. Confidentiality The Tasmanian Government may use and disclose the information provided by applicants for the purposes of

discharging its respective functions under the program Guidelines and otherwise for the purposes of the program

and related uses.

The Department may also:

1. Use information received in applications for any other departmental business.

2. Use information received in applications and during the performance of the project for reporting.

14. Administration and contact details The program will be administered by the Department of State Growth on behalf of the Crown in the Right of

Tasmania. Contact with the Department for any of the following reasons can be directed to:

[email protected] or 1800 440 026.

• Further information or advice on the program

• Assistance in making an application

• Further feedback on the decision of the application

• Request a review of the decision

14.1 Important note

All applicants must take care to provide true and accurate information. Any information that is found to be false

or misleading may result in action being taken and grant funds, if already provided, will be required to be repaid to

the Department.

15. Publicity of grant assistance The Department of State Growth disburses public funds and is therefore accountable for the distribution of those

funds. As part of the accountability process, the Department may be required to publicise the level of financial

assistance, the identity of the recipient, the purpose of the financial assistance, and any other details considered by

the Department to be appropriate.


16. Right to information Information provided to the Department of State Growth may be subject to disclosure in accordance with the

Right to Information Act 2009.

17. Personal information protection Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. This

information may be accessed by the individual to whom it related, on request to the Department of State

Growth. A fee for this service may be charged.

18. Disclosure The following applies to all successful applicants:

• Despite any confidentiality or intellectual property right subsisting in the grant funding agreement or

deed, a party may publish all or any part of the grant funding agreement or deed without reference to

another party.

• Nothing in this item 15. Disclosure, derogates from a party's obligations under the Personal Information

Protection Act 2004 (Tas) or the Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth).

19. Disclaimer Although care has been taken in the preparation of this document, no warranty, express or implied, is given by

the Crown in Right of Tasmania, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information it contains.

The Crown in Right of Tasmania accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise from anything

contained in or omitted from or that may arise from the use of this document, and any person relying on this

document and the information it contains does so at their own risk absolutely.

The Crown in Right of Tasmania does not accept liability or responsibility for any loss incurred by an applicant

that are in any way related to the program.

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